The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
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